There are people who actually believe that Obama is going to succeed in his quest to return economic prosperity to our country through taxation. There are also people who believe that wet streets cause rain. These people are commonly called "idiots."

*This classic weblog post was originally broadcast on October 29, 2008, but if you didn't read it, it's new to you!

Friday, February 27, 2009

In a field one summer's day, a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to his heart's content. An ant walked by, grunting as he carried a plump kernel of corn.

"Where are you off to with that heavy thing?" asked the Grasshopper.

Without stopping, the Ant replied, "To our ant hill. This is the third kernel I've delivered today."

"Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of working so hard?"

"I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and I recommend you to do the same."

"Why worry about winter?" asked the Grasshopper. "We have plenty of food right now."

The Ant shook his head in dismay and continued his work.

The weather soon turned cold. All the food lying in the field was covered with a thick white blanket of snow that even the grasshopper could not dig through. Soon the Grasshopper found himself dying of hunger. He staggered to the ants' hill and saw the ants enjoying the corn they had collected in the summer.

Then the Grasshopper knew:

It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.

The Politically Correct Version

Big Ant worked all summer, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper, who happened to be a single mom raising five little grasshoppers, did what she could to provide for her little ones.

Despite working long days trying to bring home food for her children, she never managed to get ahead, as she had to pay the ladybug to watch her children while she was out scavenging.

Winter came and Big Ant was comfortable in his anthill. Because he was bigger and could get away with it, and because he didn't "believe in no stinkin' communism," he had chased all the little ants away, leaving plenty of food for himself. But the grasshopper had no community of ants from which she could take provisions and so as winter settled in, she had no food for her little ones.

Not willing to let her offspring starve, the grasshopper became a community organizer and assembled all the ants who had been chased away by Big Ant. They agreed that it wasn't fair for Big Ant to have so much, especially since the provisions belonged to all the ants, not just Big Ant.

And so they agreed to ask Big Ant to share the great bounty that was stored within the anthill. Big Ant, annoyed that they would try to take what he had already taken, said no.

The grasshopper and little ants then said that they weren't asking—they had come for the provisions, and Big Ant could either share or leave. So Big Ant left, and the grasshopper and little ants had a great feast to celebrate.

But Big Ant gathered his Big Ant cousins and uncles and brothers, and because they were bigger and stronger, they banished all the little ants and the grasshopper and her little ones into the snow, where they perished.

And the next year, when Big Ant had no community of ants to do the work for him, he discovered that he could not survive on his own. And so he died.

The Moral? Might does NOT make right.

The Politically Incorrect Version

The ant works hard, in the withering heat, all summer long. He builds his house and stores supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks that the ant is a fool and he laughs, dances and plays the summer away, preparing nothing for the coming winter.

Winter comes, the ant is safe and warm. The shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and fed, while others are cold and starving!

CBS, NBC, ABC & CNN show up to provide pictures of shivering grasshoppers next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home, with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast! How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer this way?

Kermit the Frog appears with the grasshopper on Oprah. Everyone cries when they sing "It's Not Easy Being Green."

Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house, where the news stations film the group singing "We Shall Overcome." Jesse then has the group pray for the grasshopper's sake, and reminds the group to contribute to his group, so that he can "continue the fight" for grasshoppers, everywhere!

In an interview with Tom Brokaw, Ted Kennedy & John Kerry exclaim: "The ant has gotten rich off the backs of the poor grasshoppers!" Both call for an immediate tax hike to make the ant pay "his fair share!"

Finally, the EEOC drafts the "Economic Equity For Grasshoppers Act", retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The ant is fined for failing to hire the proportionate number of green bugs, and having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his house is confiscated by the government.

Hillary Clinton gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant. The case is tried in federal court, with a jury comprised of unemployed welfare recipients.

Surprise! The ant loses the case!

As the story draws to a close, we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house in which he now lives (the ant's old house) crumbles around him for lack of maintenance.

The ant disappears in the snow, the grasshopper dies in a drug related incident. The house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize this once-peaceful neighborhood.

The moral of this version? Now that Obama is president, hard work is for chumps.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

A surplus became an excuse to transfer wealth to the wealthy instead of an opportunity to invest in our future.

Obama, this statement is insane. You are either woefully ignorant or shamelessly dishonest. We have never stopped transferring wealth from the wealthy and productive to the poor and unproductive. When bemoaning the injustice of cutting taxes in the face of budget surpluses, please understand that tax cuts do not "transfer" wealth to the wealthy. Tax cuts reduce the transference of power to the powerful. Obama wants to propagate the lie that wealth and opportunity are created by the government in Washington and then transferred to the people by benevolent politicians. This is a dangerous deception and we must not allow the Democrats to continue to get away with it!

I asked this Congress to send me a recovery plan by President's Day that would put people back to work and put money in their pockets. Not because I believe in bigger government — I don't...

You don't believe in bigger government? Seriously? You're willing to tell a lie that big?

...Not because I'm not mindful of the massive debt we've inherited -- I am.

What did you do to fight the accumulation of "massive debt" when you were in the Senate? If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

Over the next two years, this plan will save or create 3.5 million jobs. More than 90 percent of these jobs will be in the private sector.

Sounds like you're making things up Hussein.

We have created a new website called recovery.gov so that every American can find out how and where their money is being spent.

On Obama'srecovery.gov you can find cryptic and misleading information such as:

"Tax Relief - includes $15 B for Infrastructure and Science, $61 B for Protecting the Vulnerable, $25 B for Education and Training and $22 B for Energy, so total funds are $126 B for Infrastructure and Science, $142 B for Protecting the Vulnerable, $78 B for Education and Training, and $65 B for Energy."

My budget does not attempt to solve every problem or address every issue. It reflects the stark reality of what we've inherited -- a trillion-dollar deficit, a financial crisis, and a costly recession.

Hussein, you're being disingenuous. You did precious little to help the situation when you were in the Senate (you were too busy looking for your next job), and now, one month into your reign of terror, you've grown the deficit at an unprecedented rate.

Given these realities, everyone in this chamber -- Democrats and Republicans -- will have to sacrifice some worthy priorities for which there are no dollars. And that includes me.

Oh really? What will you and your democrat friends be sacrificing? Please share the details.

With the deficit we inherited, the cost of the crisis we face, and the long-term challenges we must meet...

There you go again! You didn't inherit it if you helped to create it.

...it has never been more important to ensure that as our economy recovers, we do what it takes to bring this deficit down.

Yeah, we get it. You're so excited about raising taxes, you can hardly stand it.

Now, I'm proud that we passed a recovery plan free of earmarks.

The porkulus plan is earmark-free? Well, that depends on what your definition of "is" is.

I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not allow it.

No, you won't simply allow it, you will make it easier for them to plot against us.

To relieve the strain on our forces, my budget increases the number of our soldiers and Marines.

We will see how this plays out. Let's not talk only about increased numbers, lets talk about increased strength. And let's talk about missile defense. Why are you opposed to missile defense systems?

Highlights from Jindal's Speech

The strength of America is not found in our government. It is found in the compassionate hearts and enterprising spirit of our citizens.

Obama and his friends do not believe that Americas are compassionate, they believe that they need to save us from ourselves and from each other.

To solve our current problems, Washington must lead. But the way to lead is not to raise taxes and put more money and power in hands of Washington politicians. The way to lead is by empowering you — the American people. Because we believe that Americans can do anything.

Who among us would ask our children for a loan, so we could spend money we do not have, on things we do not need? That is precisely what the Democrats in Congress just did.

Republicans need to repeat this line thousands of times.

Republicans want to work with President Obama. We appreciate his message of hope -- but sometimes it seems we look for hope in different places. Democratic leaders in Washington place their hope in the federal government. We place our hope in you -- the American people.

They place their hope in themselves. Their lust for power is never satisfied.

A few weeks ago, the President warned that our nation is facing a crisis that he said 'we may not be able to reverse.' Our troubles are real, to be sure. But don't let anyone tell you that we cannot recover -- or that America's best days are behind her.

Conservatives, this is a must read! Written by a lib, but we can turn the ideas around to use them for our own goals.

Saving America: Time to hit the streets?

Noting the tactics of left-wing organizations such as Code Pink, which like to send handfuls of noisy people to a lawmaker's office, DeMint suggests such things do get the attention of congressmen and senators. "I think some of these folks might think twice if they had several hundred people standing outside one of their state offices asking, 'What in the world are you thinking?' "If that doesn't work, there's plenty of room on the boulevard.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Reactions to Jindal's Rebuttal to Obama's Speech to Congress have been all over the spectrum.Here is a representative sample from the blogosphere:

Jindal is the real deal. It's the audacity of executive competence.

It's clear from historical examples...that Bobby Jindal is vastly more effective working without a set script. He knows the message, but he delivers it much better off the cuff.

Last night he looked nervous and testosterone-deficient. He needs to hit the weights.

Regardless of what anyone thought of him last night, and I was pretty hard on him, you can't deny the effectiveness of the Today interview. The GOP should put him on every interview show they can find.

Given all the goof ups and gaffes Obama has provided, Jindal shouldn't be worried. First impressions? How about showing the steady hand Jindal displayed when Louisiana was facing Hurricane Gustav. That was leadership.

Four years from now, this won't even be a blip.

I remember Reagan looking woefully unprepared and completely out of his depth in his first debate against Walter Mondale. And we all know how that turned out. If the GOP wants to turn this around, all of their image consultants and handlers for their various candidates should be taken out and...

As a loyal Obama supporter, is it too early for me to contribute some cash to this cat's presidential campaign?

From Lorie Byrd:

Jindal has only just gotten started. He had a larger audience on Today for his follow up to last night's response. He and other Republicans have to continue to hammer the absurdity of Obama's policies and reckless spending, and provide reasonable, common sense alternatives.

Those Dems here who think Jindal is toast must not have watched the video. Today has a humongous audience. I wouldn't be surprised if more people did see the Today interview than saw the speech last night.

1. He will be underestimated now. That is always better than being overestimated. If I had not had such sky high expectations for Jindal last night I probably would have thought the speech was just fine.

2. Jindal is brilliant off the cuff. You know, in the real world, without a script. His mastery of the facts is incredible. Obama is a brilliant teleprompter speaker. Take away his teleprompter and he uh, uh, has uh, a little, uh, trouble.

3. If Jindal continues to do interviews like the one he did today on Today he will be a superstar by the time 2012 rolls around. That Dems don't get that only helps us. That Dems don't understand how devastating it is for Jindal to point out that Dems didn't even read the bill and still don't know what is in it, only helps Republicans.

4. Jindal showed last night a weakness in reading from a teleprompter into a camera. If you read the speech he gave last night, the content is good. Had he given a smooth polished speech full of fluff (Hope'n Change) that would have done more damage because it would have been at odds with his image as someone with a bright, quick mind who can get things done in his state.

My take:

Obama supporters can heave a big sigh of relief—Jindal has a weakness: in front of a teleprompter, he gives a lackluster performance. But Democrats know Jindal is a force to be reckoned with. Jindal's conservative vision and intellect are razor sharp. He needs to work on his teleprompter skills, but he can beat Obama. I'd love to see those two square off in a debate. Jindal would clean Obama's clock.

More

The Jindal Phenomenon

Jindal, while also religious and conservative, speaks the language of the knowledge class and will not be easily caricatured or dismissed. To journalists, policy experts and Rhodes scholars, Jindal is also "one of us." At this point in the election cycle, no Republican can be considered more than the flavor of the month. But this is an appealing one.

Bobby Jindal bounced back this morning from a generally-panned performance to an energetic performance on Today. He gives Meredith Viera a slew of specifics, arguing with more intensity about the pitfalls of Porkulus.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

"As I grew up, my mom and dad taught me the values that attracted them to this country - and they instilled in me an immigrant's wonder at the greatness of America. As a child, I remember going to the grocery store with my dad. Growing up in India, he had seen extreme poverty. And as we walked through the aisles, looking at the endless variety on the shelves, he would tell me: 'Bobby, Americans can do anything.' I still believe that to this day.

...

"Republicans are ready to work with the new President to provide those solutions. Here in my state of Louisiana, we don't care what party you belong to if you have good ideas to make life better for our people. We need more of that attitude from both Democrats and Republicans in our nation's capital. All of us want our economy to recover and our nation to prosper. So where we agree, Republicans must be the President's strongest partners. And where we disagree, Republicans have a responsibility to be candid and offer better ideas for a path forward.

...

"The strength of America is not found in our government. It is found in the compassionate hearts and enterprising spirit of our citizens.

...

"To solve our current problems, Washington must lead. But the way to lead is not to raise taxes and put more money and power in hands of Washington politicians. The way to lead is by empowering you - the American people. Because we believe that Americans can do anything.

...

"Democratic leaders say their legislation will grow the economy. What it will do is grow the government, increase our taxes down the line, and saddle future generations with debt. Who among us would ask our children for a loan, so we could spend money we do not have, on things we do not need? That is precisely what the Democrats in Congress just did. It's irresponsible. And it's no way to strengthen our economy, create jobs, or build a prosperous future for our children.

...

"In recent years, these distinctions in philosophy became less clear - because our party got away from its principles. You elected Republicans to champion limited government, fiscal discipline, and personal responsibility. Instead, Republicans went along with earmarks and big government spending in Washington. Republicans lost your trust - and rightly so.

...

"A few weeks ago, the President warned that our nation is facing a crisis that he said 'we may not be able to reverse.' Our troubles are real, to be sure. But don't let anyone tell you that we cannot recover - or that America's best days are behind her."

Tonight, the big prime time speech will be broadcast to an anxious nation. The stakes are high, the expectations are high, and the message will set the tone for the next four years—at least. His admirers and supporters, including yours truly, are looking forward to a brilliantly articulated vision for the future.

No, we're not talking about Barry Obama's speech to a joint session of the Congress. We're talking about Bobby Jindal's rebuttal.

Barack Obama will be under pressure when he addresses the nation on television tomorrow night, but not as much as Bobby Jindal, who will reply on behalf of the Republicans, with a performance that could determine his own presidential hopes. [snip]

Jindal, the 37-year-old governor of Louisiana and the Republican party's new hope, needs to demonstrate confidence and competence - and show a little sparkle - to boost his hopes of being chosen to take on Obama in 2012. [snip]

Being chosen by the Republicans to respond to Obama gives Jindal a significant leg-up over his rivals, offering millions of viewers their first opportunity to see Jindal, who is conservative on both social and economic policy. The high-profile slot in the past has boosted careers but also destroyed them. [snip]

If Jindal does well in his reply, he can expect to benefit in terms of a sudden influx of funds. He raised $3.5m in 2008 from more than 2,100 donors. It is a relatively small figure, given that Obama raised $1bn in his fight for the presidency, but Jindal only has to demonstrate at this stage he is capable of fundraising.

Rush Limbaugh calls him "the next Ronald Reagan." Republican strategist Steve Schmidt agrees. "The question is not whether he'll be president, but when he'll be president, because he will be elected someday."

Fiscal conservatives argue the party must retrench around a small government philosophy from which Bush strayed. Social conservatives argue it must more fully capitalise on a religious base that never warmed to McCain. Others say it must appeal to suburban moderates who care more about the government's effectiveness than its size. Jindal's allure is that he offers a way around this choice, and an answer to all of the party weaknesses exposed above.

More

Excerpt from Jindal's Rebuttal

"Who among us would ask our children for a loan, so we could spend money we do not have, on things we do not need? That is precisely what the Democrats in Congress just did. It's irresponsible. And it's no way to strengthen our economy, create jobs, or build a prosperous future for our children." (more)

Bobby Jindal's big moment

He’s a star in political circles, mentioned by members of both parties as a future presidential candidate, but when Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal delivers the Republican response to President Barack Obama’s Message to Congress on Tuesday, most Americans will be seeing him for the first time.

Our President of the Perpetual Campaign Takes Veiled Shot at Bobby Jindal

"There's going to be ample time for campaigns down the road," he said, a not-so-veiled reference to those Guvs, especially Jindal, who are said to be contemplating 2012 presidential campaigns. "Right now, we've got to make sure that we're standing up for the American people and putting them back to the work."

Bobby Jindal Outfoxes Everyone, Mother Jones Isn't Happy

BobbyJindal is smarter than me. He figured out a way to take the vast majority of the funding set out for Louisiana (about 98 percent, according to TPM) while still earning headlines like "Jindal rejects $98 million in stimulus spending."

High stakes for Obama and Jindal this week

Party elders are giving Jindal, who missed the 2008 GOP convention to be on hurricane duty, his biggest stage yet. A flop would limit his aspirations and rob Republicans of a much-needed talent.

Noting the tactics of left-wing organizations such as Code Pink, which like to send handfuls of noisy people to a lawmaker's office, DeMintsuggests such things do get the attention of congressmen and senators. "I think some of these folks might think twice if they had several hundred people standing outside one of their state offices asking, 'What in the world are you thinking?' "If that doesn't work, there's plenty of room on the boulevard.

Sign the Petition for a Chicago Tea Party

Our petition for you is this – if American Future Fund hosted this tea party, in Grant Park – site of Barack Obama’s Chicago victory speech – would you be there? If we have enough folks say “YES!” then we just might start a major movement with this event. But it has to begin at the grassroots. h/t: Red Voice

Obama's goal? Directed chaos

The goal is to achieve chaos, because chaos leads to more government control – and that's what Obama and the Democratic Congress want more than anything. They don't believe they should be bothered with elections or dissent or any of the nuisances of a free society. They believe they deserve perpetual power, because they are part of the enlightened elite.h/t: Pen of Jen

iPod Touched by Midas

That's what it looks like anyway with this iPod Shuffle from Xexoo of Germany. Made from real 18 carat gold, this will definitely burn an extremely large hole in your pocket if you want one with its price tag of $19,343 (14,000 Euros).